An evaluation of the practice of theoretical concepts in environmental education by schools in Moshi Municipality
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Date
2011
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study investigated the practice of theoretical concepts in environmental education by schools in Moshi Municipality. Specifically, it explored: awareness on environment, environmental problems and EE; the schools’ initiatives to apply the EE skills in addressing environmental problems at school level; and the challenges the schools face when implementing environmental education. The study employed a case study research design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), documentary reviews and non participant observation from a sample of sixty six respondents. The findings of the study indicated awareness of the concept of environment among teachers and students as total surroundings including man. However, concepts such as social, political, economic, cultural, scientific-technological, personal and biophysical were not included in explaining the term. Findings revealed environmental problems as a threat to the environment and that those environmental problems called for education. Findings also revealed challenges schools are facing in the course of teaching EE. Among the challenges the major ones included inadequate teachers trained to teach EE, insufficient funds for financing study tours and for purchasing relevant reference and text books, insufficient time allocated for teaching EE and inappropriate teaching approaches. The study concluded that EE is the need of present and coming generations and that it had contributed in addressing environmental problems at schools level although the strategies for implementation were still weak and inadequate. The study recommended for schools to lay down strategies which ensure proper teaching of EE. Teachers were recommended to update themselves with new teaching approaches so as to match with the changing world. Students were recommended to put into theory into practice. The study recommends for similar study using larger sample to enable generalization of the results that will give the national insight on an evaluation of the practice of theoretical concepts in environmental education.
Description
Available in print form
Keywords
Environmental education, Secondary schools, Tanzania
Citation
Elisaria, E. E (2011) An evaluation of the practice of theoretical concepts in environmental education by schools in Moshi Municipality, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. (Available at http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/detail.aspx)